Drunk Driving Accidents in RI Cause Serious Injuries and Fatalities

Motorists driving drunk in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations often cause serious injuries and take human lives in senseless acts of recklessness. Even with increased driving enforcement, anti-drunk driving campaigns and public awareness, intoxicated drivers in RI continue to be a serious problem.

Most victims of a drunk driver faces extensive hospitalization, medical care, physical therapy and rehabilitation. In many incidences, the injured victim suffers permanent or temporary disability. The lost time away from work often creates a financial strain on the family dynamic as the victim attempts to recover from their injuries.

DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) are legal terms associated with alcohol-related behavior while operating any moving vehicle. Many impaired motorists in Providence, Central Falls, Woonsocket and Bristol are repeat offenders that habitually wreak havoc on our roadways. While a drunk driver can be held criminally responsible for their behavior, they can also face civil action by the victim suffering injuries or surviving family members of a loved one who has died from the accident.

A Negligence Action in Kent County Superior Court

The cause of a Cranston, Warwick or Johnston accident by an individual operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substance is considered a negligent act. Because of that, any victims or surviving family members of the deceased victims usually has the right to file a claim or lawsuit for compensation against the irresponsible drunk driver. The victim does not need to wait for the conclusion of a criminal trial before pursuing civil action against the driver who caused their injuries. In fact, a conviction of drunk driving in Rhode Island is not necessary to file a civil claim.

In many cases, other individuals might also be at fault for the crash / collision. A R I personal injury attorney who specializes in drunk driving accident cases might file a claim or lawsuit against additional third parties including:

• Restaurant/Bar Staff, Management and Owners – Under the state’s dram shop liability laws, a restaurant or bar selling liquor might also be responsible for causing the drunk driving accident if it can be proven that the establishment served alcohol to an obviously drunk patron who later caused an accident

• Party Hosts – If the drunk driver was previously a guest at a social event hosted at any venue and was served additional alcohol after displaying obvious signs of drunkenness, the party host might be held legally liable for compensation

In many incidences, the victims suffer serious injuries that include fractures and broken bones, deep bruising, lacerations, brain injury, severed spinal cords, and even death.

Hiring a Providence car accident Attorney

Vehicle accident claims in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations involving drunk drivers can be complex. A successful conclusion obtaining compensation often requires the skills of an experienced alcohol-related accident attorney. A RI negligence lawyer can investigate the accident and determine all contributing factors including where the negligent motorist might have consumed excessive alcohol before causing the collision.

The East Providence law firm will usually assemble an investigative team to compile raw data from eyewitness accounts, evidence from the scene, police reports and other sources. The attorney will evaluate the driver’s BAC (blood alcohol content) to determine the extent of their impairment when operating a vehicle.

Much of the information associated with the drunk driving case can be extremely time sensitive. Maintaining evidence and contact with eyewitnesses can make the difference in obtaining the highest level of compensation for the injuries endured in the vehicular wreck.

If you, or loved one, have been the victim of a DUI accident, you might be eligible to receive compensation for your injury and any other associated expense that cannot be recovered through insurance. A skilled Woonsocket attorney can protect your rights and seek compensatory and punitive damages from the drunk driver who caused the crash.